The latest Operation Tramline initiative run by National Highways and the Police has seen more than a hundred people caught breaking the law in just one week.
The latest operation, run by Thames Valley Police’s Roads Policing Joint Operations Unit in partnership with National Highways between 7 and 11 August covered sections of the M40 and M25.
Officers deployed an unmarked HGV tractor unit supplied and funded by National Highways to detect and deal with road traffic offences such as using a mobile phone while driving and not wearing a seatbelt.
Operation Tramline targets all vehicles with the elevated position of the HGV cabs allowing police officers to drive alongside vehicles to film any unsafe driver behaviour taking place. Using the HGV enabled officers to not only detect offences being committed by private vehicles but also enabled them the opportunity to observe commercial vehicles that are sometimes more difficult to see into from patrol cars.
During the week long operation a total of 104 traffic offence reports were issued to drivers for offences of driving whilst using a mobile phone, not wearing a seat belt, careless driving, registration plate not fitted, excessive window tints and driving whilst not in proper control. A car driver was also arrested on suspicion of driving whilst over the prescribed drug drive limit.
Detective Chief Inspector Mike Bettington of the Roads Policing Joint Operational Unit said: “We see the huge, often tragic, impact of road traffic incidents every day, so we are always keen to find alternative ways to put a stop to the offences that cause such harm. By using the HGV we have been able to deal with motorists who are committing offences that are linked to the fatal four – not wearing a seatbelt, drink/drug driving, speeding and using a phone while driving.”
National Highways has a long-term ambition that no one should be harmed when travelling or working on the Strategic Road Network. Operation Tramline is helping to reinforce appropriate safe driving behaviour.
Regional road Safety Programme Manager for National Highways in the South East of England, Colin Evans, added: “When the majority of people get behind the wheel they drive safely and sensibly, but unfortunately a small minority think the rules don’t apply to them and their selfish actions endanger the lives of others on the road network.
“Working with our police partners in the Thames Valley, and using the unique perspective we get from the ‘supercab’, we are able to target those individuals with officers taking enforcement action where they believe it is appropriate.
“We use the supercab across the country as a means of highlighting bad habits that put other road users in danger. Whatever vehicle you are in, please think about your behaviour when you get behind the wheel and help us make sure everyone gets home safe and well.”
(Picture – Thames Valley Police)
